Oral Contraceptives
Results
Side Effects

Oral contraceptives, otherwise known as birth control pills, are also approved to treat acne. They work by regulating male hormones in the female...

Oral contraceptives, otherwise known as birth control pills, are also approved to treat acne. They work by regulating male hormones in the female body. Less male hormones normally lead to less acne. 

Oral contraceptives contain an estrogen component (ethinyl estradiol) that is combined with progestin hormones, such as drospirenone (Yasmin® or Yaz®), norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®) or norethindrone (Estrostep®). 

Oral contraceptives are taken once a day with a meal. Make sure to take the pill at the same time every day.

 [more]
3.4
1199
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.3%
4
33.2%
3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
July 16, 2008

Pros:

Didn't get pregnant, cleared up my skin after several months, regulated my period

Cons:

My hair fell out a lot when I first started taking it.

After several months, my face was flawless from this stuff. It works and I didn't really have any side-effects. I only went off of it because I was tired of taking a pill everyday.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 11, 2008

Pros:

period lasted 2-3 days. no moodiness!

Cons:

felt bloated all the time, gained weight. skin didn't clear up.

Didn't clear skin and i gained weight.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 10, 2008

Pros:

Shorter regular predictable periods (2 to 3 days!), clear skin, pain free periods

Cons:

VERY MOODY - every week of pills I either was sad, irritable or an emotional train wreck, couldn't concentrate, gained 40 lbs almost immediately upon starting.

Stopped taking Tri Cyclen almost a month and a half ago, skin broke out which is now finally clearing up. I can think clearly, feel more like myself. Mood swings are almost all gone other than the usual ones. Still no period. Feeling like I am to be expecting it soon or expecting something in 9 ish months. Oh.. and lost almost 15lbs already and have changed nothing else in my routine yet. Everyone is different, so my experience may not be the norm.... I certainly hope not. I have been on it for three years now, missed maybe a pill or two a year
This Was Helpful

Report
June 13, 2008

Pros:

The first week i lost some weight.

Cons:

tired, sometimes dont care about anything, and then others i was very emotional,bloating, right before i started the blue pills i started getting acne on my neck and jawline and cheeks.

I got to day 17 on my first pack and itmade me crazy but i think from lack of sleep. cause i started breaking out like crazy and i was taking it to help acne. at first it was clearing my acne up and then POOF i started to break out. and from seeing all these reviews i decided not to wait it out to see if it gets better. this sh*t sucks.
This Was Helpful

Report
April 23, 2008

Pros:

SHORTER PERIODS

Cons:

WEIGHT GAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I HAVE BEEN USING THIS FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW, AND THE ONE REASON I DID NOT WANT TO START TAKING BC IS BECAUSE OF WEIGHT GAIN, WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW. THIS IS THE BIGGEST THING THAT IM STRUGGLING WITH NOW.....I WATCH MY SODIUM INTAKE AND WORK OUT. I CAN'T STAND THIS. I ALSO HAVE AN INCREASED APPETITE, WHICH DOESN'T HELP ANYTHING...I JUST DONT TRUST BC..
This Was Helpful

Report
April 23, 2008

Pros:

Light periods, no cramps, little weight gain

Cons:

Acne way worse

I want to look for something else that doesn't cause my face to break out.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 31, 2008

Pros:

It definatly cleared up my acne!! I started seeing a difference in probably the fourth month..i used to get huge huge acne and now i get one or two..so much better!

Cons:

none..

definatly worked for me..but it depends on what works best for you
This Was Helpful

Report
March 27, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant, regulated period

Cons:

acne!!!

I've been on OTC Lo for four years. I've never missed a pill and my period always comes exactly when it is supposed to, and when it does it lasts like four days and the cramping is only the first day (much better than before!) But..my skin is a disaster. My chin always has a blemish, I can't leave the house without make up. I NEVER had acne before going on birth control. Sometimes it will clear up for a month, but it always comes back. :( I also feel sick on the white pills...always have since my first dose. It is also unreasonably expensive.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 19, 2008

Pros:

No Side affects

Cons:

Remembering to take the pill

NO side effects works diffrent with every person.
This Was Helpful

Report
February 7, 2008

Pros:

Not pregnant.

Cons:

DEPRESSION, MOODINESS, WEIGHT GAIN, FATIGUE, HEADACHES, WORSE ACNE

Ortho Tri Cyclen is not worth it. I stayed on it for the minimum "trial period" of 3 months to see if it would help decrease my acne. Lo and behold, my acne got worse...and I became a moody, depressed fat person, even though I exercise 6 days/week, which is supposed to make you not fat and release endorphins! It was awful and not worth 1 second for me.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 61 62 63 64 65 … 81
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website